PARRIS LOOKS AHEAD TO SPRING SERIES OPENER

Brighton & Hove Albion interim women's first-team manager George Parris is pleased that his players will finally get the chance to test themselves against Women’s Super League 2 opposition, when they meet London Bees in the FAWSL Spring Series this afternoon.

The Seagulls gained promotion to WSL2 last season, and following their 4-1 victory in the SSE Women’s FA Cup against AFC Wimbledon last weekend, Parris and his team will get their Spring Series campaign underway at the Hive.

He said, “For the girls, it’s going to be an interesting time and a chance for them to dip their toes in water, and see what the standard is like.

“Obviously some of our girls got us promoted last season, so we’ll see if they’re able to step up to the plate.

“Then with some of the other girls that we’ve signed from higher divisions, we’ll be looking for their experience and quality to shine through.”

Parris is expecting a stern test when they come up against the Bees, but urged his players to enjoy the occasion, express themselves and show how far they’ve come.

“They played in the WSL2 last season, so they’ll be a different outfit to what we contested against AFC Wimbledon. We’re expecting another tough game.

“I’d imagine, as with most WSL2 sides, they’ll want to get the ball down and pass it, so we’re going to have to be aware of that.

“I’d say we’re definitely going there as underdogs, especially with their home advantage and the fact they’ve played in the WSL2 before.

“I want to them to enjoy it and do their jobs to the best of their abilities, then we’ll get an early indication of where we’re at.”

After progressing to the fourth round of the SSE Women’s FA Cup in their season opener, Parris was delighted with the application of his players and took great confidence from their performance heading into today’s game.

“Playing the Women’s FA Cup game against AFC Wimbledon was a good introduction for the squad and I was pleased with how we played.

“As a squad, we only had about 45 minutes as a unit together, so that was the pleasing thing for me. The way we played on Sunday was very encouraging.”